Lou Carnesecca, the iconic St. John’s basketball coach and a central figure in the evolution of the Big East Conference, passed away on Saturday at the age of 99, as confirmed by the university.
Carnesecca’s coaching career spanned two significant periods from 1965 to 1970 and 1973 to 1992. During his tenure, he amassed an impressive record of 526 wins to 200 losses, leading the St. John’s team to 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a memorable run to the Final Four in 1985, and Elite Eight finishes in 1979 and 1991. His teams claimed Big East championships in 1983 and 1986, along with the NIT title in 1989. Notably, across his 24 seasons with the Redmen—now known as the Red Storm—he never experienced a losing season.
Under his guidance, a number of basketball stars emerged, including national players of the year like Chris Mullin and Walter Berry, as well as New York Knicks point guard Mark Jackson and All-American Malik Sealy. Carnesecca played a significant role in establishing the Big East as a powerhouse not only through high-scoring teams but also with his unique charisma and strong relationships with other college basketball legends, including founding commissioner Dave Gavitt and coaches like John Thompson and Jim Boeheim.
A highly respected figure in the sport, Carnesecca was a two-time National Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 1992. Until recently, he was a familiar presence at the arena named in his honor. His connection to St. John’s also included playing baseball for the university, contributing to a squad that reached the College World Series in 1949.
Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman expressed the profound impact Carnesecca had on the sport, stating that his fiery and resilient nature mirrored the conference he helped create. She acknowledged his successes, noting how they contributed to raising the profile of the Big East in its formative years and emphasized his multifaceted role as a teacher, mentor, and friend to many.
Carnesecca’s legacy is one of greatness and inspiration, serving as a reminder of the possibilities that basketball holds for shaping futures, building character, and uniting communities.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence on St. John’s, the Big East, and college basketball will endure, inspiring future generations of players and coaches.